The Hollywood actors’ union, SAG-AFTRA, went on strike yesterday after negotiations with studios over a new contract collapsed. The strike is the first in 43 years for the union, which represents 160,000 television and movie actors.
The main issues at stake in the strike are pay, residuals, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI). SAG-AFTRA is demanding higher wages for actors, as well as an increase in residuals for work that is streamed or made available on-demand. The union is also concerned about the use of AI in the entertainment industry, and is seeking protections for actors who may be displaced by AI-powered technology.
In a press conference yesterday, SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher said that the strike was a necessary step to protect the rights of actors in the face of the changing entertainment landscape. “At some point, the jig is up,” she said.
“You cannot keep being dwindled and marginalized and disrespected and dishonored. The entire business model has been changed by streaming, digital, AI. This is a moment of history.”
Fran Drescher, SAG AFTRA President
The strike is expected to have a significant impact on Hollywood production. With actors refusing to work, it is likely that many films and TV shows will be delayed or canceled. The strike could also have a negative impact on the economy, as the entertainment industry is a major source of jobs and revenue.
It is unclear how long the strike will last. Both sides have said that they are willing to negotiate, but it is possible that the strike could drag on for weeks or even months. In the meantime, Hollywood will be a very different place.
How the strike will affect Hollywood
The strike is likely to have a significant impact on Hollywood production. Actors are refusing to work, so it’s likely that many films and TV shows will be delayed or canceled. The strike could also have a negative impact on the economy, as the entertainment industry is a major source of jobs and revenue.
Some of the specific effects of the strike include:
- Delays or cancellations of films and TV shows
- Loss of jobs for actors, crew members, and other industry workers
- Economic losses for studios, networks, and other businesses in the entertainment industry
- A decline in the quality of Hollywood productions
How the strike is similar to the writers’ strike
The strike between SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) is similar to the writers’ strike that began in May. Both strikes are over similar issues, including pay, residuals, and the use of AI. The strikes are also likely to have a similar impact on Hollywood production.
However, there are also some key differences between the two strikes. The writers’ strike is focused on issues related to writing, such as, the crediting process and the use of new technology. The SAG-AFTRA strike is more broad, and is focused on issues related to all aspects of acting, including pay, residuals, and the use of AI.
What you can do to support the strike
There are a few things that you can do to support the strike:
- Contact your favorite studios and networks and ask them to support the union’s demands.
- Boycott films and TV shows that are produced by studios that are not supporting the union.
- Donate to the SAG-AFTRA strike fund.
The Hollywood strike is a significant event for the entertainment industry. It remains to be seen how long the strike will last, but it is clear that the union is determined to fight for the rights of actors in the face of the changing entertainment landscape.
